The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • No plans to close Gbagi market, Oyo govt dispels rumours

    No plans to close Gbagi market, Oyo govt dispels rumours

    The Oyo State Government has dismissed claims that the Bola Ige International Business Complex, Gbagi, Ibadan, would be shut down on Monday, describing the rumour as unfounded.

    Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, made this known in a statement on Sunday, assuring traders, shop owners, and the public that the market will remain open.

    He described the speculation as false and a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to create unnecessary tension within the business community.

    According to him, “The Bola Ige International Business Complex remains a hub of commercial activities in the state, and at no point did the government contemplate shutting it down. 

    “We urge traders and the public to disregard this misleading information being spread by unscrupulous elements whose aim is to disrupt peace and normal business operations.    

    “Normal activities will continue without any hindrance on Monday and beyond.”

    The Commissioner further noted that the government is aware of certain practices within the complex where some shop owners, mostly elders within the business complex, allegedly allot the spaces in front of their shops to petty traders, sometimes even measuring the portions with rulers and exploiting them financially.   

    Read Also: Tinubu’s long week in the skies: sacrifices for Nigeria’s place in global space

    He assured that the government is already taking necessary steps to address such excesses in a fair and balanced manner, to protect the interests of all categories of traders and ensure that the complex remains conducive for legitimate business activities.

    He further stressed that the present administration under Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to providing an enabling environment for commerce to thrive and would not take any decision capable of crippling business activities in the state.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, reaffirmed the government’s position, adding that necessary security arrangements have been put in place to ensure peace and order at the business complex.

    He said, “The Ministry wishes to assure all traders, customers, and stakeholders that there will be no closure of the Bola Ige International Business Complex on Monday. 

    “The rumour is unfounded, and everyone should go about their normal business without fear.

    “The government remains committed to protecting the interests of traders and ensuring the smooth running of all markets and business complexes across the state.”

    The government therefore appealed to the public to ignore false information and rely solely on official statements from relevant authorities.

  • Aiyedatiwa pledges stronger partnership with traditional rulers to tackle insecurity in Ondo

    Aiyedatiwa pledges stronger partnership with traditional rulers to tackle insecurity in Ondo

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has restated his administration’s commitment to working closely with traditional institutions to combat security challenges such as armed robbery, banditry, and kidnapping across the state.

    Speaking at the first coronation anniversary of the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Mofolorunso Adegboyega Arasanyin, in Okeagbe-Akoko, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the crucial role of monarchs in fostering peace and unity at the grassroots.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Sanitation, Hon. Ayodele Samson Akande, the governor commended Oba Arasanyin for his leadership, describing his reign as one of wisdom, dedication, and service to his people.

    “I cannot but acknowledge the cooperation and support of our palaces in tackling crimes, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery from our domains,” he said.

    He added, “Under your reign, Afa Okeagbe Kingdom has continued to witness peace and solidify the unity of Okeagbe-Akoko as one indivisible entity through development and the preservation of cultural heritage.”

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa vows tougher crackdown on drug trafficking, cybercrime, kidnapping

    The governor further pledged to deepen collaboration with royal institutions through the ‘Our Ease Initiative’, aimed at accelerating development and ensuring the dividends of democracy reach grassroots communities.

    In his remarks, Oba Arasanyin reflected on his ascension to the throne, describing the process as “a period that tested the unity, patience, and determination” of the people.

    He also commended the courage of the kingmakers for upholding the will of the community during his selection.

    Highlighting his achievements within the past year, the monarch noted the revitalisation of the Afa Oba and Chiefs’ Council, the installation of new chiefs, scholarship awards for students, and the restoration of the Chief Magistrate’s Court to Okeagbe after an 18-month absence.

    He also cited the establishment of an ICT Centre for youth empowerment, ready for commissioning, and the recruitment of additional medical personnel to improve healthcare delivery.

    Chairman of Akoko North West Local Government, Hon. Esan Owolabi, described Oba Arasanyin as a visionary and peace-loving ruler whose reign has fostered unity, progress, and development within Afa Okeagbe and the larger Akoko land.

    Similarly, the Chairman of the Council of Obas in Ondo State and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, alongside the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, praised Oba Arasanyin for his humility, wisdom, and commitment to preserving culture while embracing modernity.

    The colourful ceremony attracted indigenes from home and abroad and featured prayers, cultural displays, and an atmosphere of renewed hope for the future of Afa Okeagbe.

  • First Lady reassures Nigerians on Renewed Hope Initiative’s non-partisan programmes

    First Lady reassures Nigerians on Renewed Hope Initiative’s non-partisan programmes

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed that all interventions under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) are not politically motivated but aimed at improving the lives of Nigerian families across the board.

    Speaking during an interactive engagement with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Lagos State, Mrs Tinubu said the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution presented a unique opportunity to clearly define the constitutional roles of traditional rulers in national development.

    According to a statement issued on Friday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady described traditional and religious leaders as custodians of culture and morality who are closest to the grassroots, stressing that their influence remains invaluable in the nation’s growth.

    Read Also: Two years of Renewed Hope in Interior Ministry

    The First Lady urged them to intensify advocacy on public health matters, particularly the need for increased testing for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as wider acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls.

    She also announced two upcoming RHI projects: the Green Nigeria Challenge, a competition to promote environmental consciousness, and the Flow With Confidence programme, which will provide adolescent girls in rural areas with a year-long supply of disposable sanitary towels to curb absenteeism from school during their menstrual cycles.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State commended Senator Tinubu for the breadth of RHI programmes, noting their positive impact on agriculture, health, education, and social investment.

    He highlighted how women and youths have benefitted from empowerment initiatives, the establishment of Young Farmers Clubs, advocacy on cervical cancer prevention, as well as scholarships and support for girl-child education.

    On behalf of the traditional rulers, the Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs and Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, praised the First Lady’s initiatives but appealed for similar support in creating alternative educational pathways for boys, just as girls’ education is being strongly promoted.

    The First Lady’s Lagos engagements continued on Saturday with the RHI/SDG Women Empowerment Programme targeted at 500 women, as well as the commissioning of the Lagos State Leather Hub.

  • Tinubu mourns former Plateau military governor, Senator Mana

    Tinubu mourns former Plateau military governor, Senator Mana

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed grief over the death of Col. Mohammed Mana (rtd), a former military administrator of Plateau State and one-time senator, who passed away in the early hours of yesterday  in Abuja.

    The late Mana, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, represented Adamawa North Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011.

    Until his death, he also served as chairman of the party’s Reconciliation Committee in Adamawa State.

    In a condolence message, made available by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the deceased as a “distinguished patriot and officer gentleman” who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria, both in and out of military uniform.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns former Plateau military Governor Mana

    He praised Mana’s contributions to national development and his consistent pursuit of the common good.

    “His counsel and leadership will be sorely missed,” the President said while commiserating with the family, friends, and associates of the late senator.

    President Tinubu also extended his condolences to the government and people of Adamawa State, as well as members of the APC family in the state who, he noted, benefited immensely from Mana’s wisdom and guidance.

    The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Mana’s soul and for strength for his family to bear the loss.

  • President mourns The Nation’s Assistant Editor, Evelyn Osagie

    President mourns The Nation’s Assistant Editor, Evelyn Osagie

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Miss Evelyn Osagie, Assistant Editor at The Nation newspaper, describing her death as a painful loss to journalism and the nation’s cultural community.

    Osagie, aged 49, died last Sunday after a brief illness.

    In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined the management and staff of The Nation in mourning the respected journalist.

    President Tinubu described the late editor as “one of The Nation’s most talented, creative, and hardworking correspondents,” recalling her dedication to arts and culture reporting as well as her advocacy on women’s issues.

    Read Also: Evelyn Osagie: Osun APC chieftain condoles with The Nation, family

    He noted that Osagie’s work left a lasting impression, not only through her journalism but also through her creative expressions.

    “A consummate poet in written and spoken forms with widespread influence and contacts in literary and cultural circles. The late Osagie distinguished herself in the various fields she traversed,” the President remarked.

    Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant strength to her family, colleagues, and friends who now bear the grief of her untimely passing.

    Evelyn Osagie, widely regarded as a vibrant voice in arts journalism, earned respect across Nigeria’s media and cultural circles for her passion and depth of reporting.

  • Adeleke commends Tinubu, Ribadu for busting terrorists sleeping cells in Osun

    Adeleke commends Tinubu, Ribadu for busting terrorists sleeping cells in Osun

    Governor Ademola Adeleke has  lauded President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu for busting sleeping cells of terrorist organization in Osun State.

    Adeleke also commended the duo and security chiefs over the recent arrest of ring leaders of Ansaru terrorist group, describing the development as “a major advancement in the fight against terrorism.

    Adeleke, in a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed yesterday evening, hailed the proactive strategy in the management of the national security architecture, saying “the arrest has strengthened state security and enhanced the state’s capacity to protect her citizens and maintain the nation’s territorial integrity.”

    Commending the innovativeness and potency of security policy under President Tinubu through the Office of the National Security Adviser, Governor Adeleke noted the effective reforms of various state security organs such as the various military formations, the National Intelligence Agency, Department of State Service, the Nigerian Police and other security and para-military agencies.

    Read Also: Lawyer hails Ribadu, service chiefs over arrest of high-profile terrorists

    “He cited Osun as one of the states where sleeping cells of the terrorist organisation were busted through the combined efforts of the security and intelligence services, commending the NSA, the Chief of Defence Staff, military service chiefs, the DG of DSS, the Inspector General of Police, the Commandant General of the Civil Defence Corps among others.”

    He noted that “Osun is a beneficiary of the federal security reforms. I must commend the intelligence community for dismantling the terrorist sleeper cells across Osun state. I visited the secret police and I witnessed the great job they are doing to keep us safe.

    “We praise the President, the National Security Adviser and the entire security leadership on recent advances with the arrest of the Ansaru terrorist group leaders. Similar successes recorded on various counter terrorism fronts deserves our commendation. We are safer with a proactive security leadership”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

  • Legislative barometer to track National Assembly’s productivity unveiled

    Legislative barometer to track National Assembly’s productivity unveiled

    The Erudite Growth and Advancement Foundation (ERGAF-AFRICA) has launched a pioneering digital tool designed to track and evaluate the legislative productivity of the National Assembly.

    The initiative, unveiled in Abuja, features the first Deliberative Barometer and Policy-Focus Productivity Report (NASS-DBPFR), which provides real-time, data-driven insights into the plenary activities of all 469 federal lawmakers between June 14, 2023, and June 13, 2024.

    ERGAF-AFRICA said the NASS Barometer represents a landmark accountability mechanism, offering citizens, policymakers, and civil society organizations a transparent, user-friendly platform to monitor legislative outputs.

    The report analyzes motions, debates, petitions, bills, committee reports, and other instruments, making performance measurable and verifiable.

    ERGAF-AFRICA President, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, said the tool was conceived to address persistent concerns about poor representation, weak accountability, and declining transparency in Nigeria’s legislature.

    “Democratic consolidation depends not only on elections but also on citizens’ vigilance and effective legislative representation. The Barometer provides credible evidence that can help legislators align their priorities with citizens’ aspirations,” Okereke said.

    According to the report, the Senate recorded 2,275 legislative actions during the first session, while the House of Representatives logged 4,239. In the Senate, 81.3 percent of plenary actions were focused on national issues, while in the House, 68 percent addressed national concerns, with constituency matters accounting for 28 percent.

    Sectoral analysis showed that economic policy, security, and education dominated legislative attention in both chambers. Notably, about 5 percent of senators and 12 percent of House members recorded no legislative contributions in the period under review.

    The report also ranked legislators by productivity. In the Senate, Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele led with 92 legislative actions, followed by Sen. Barau Jibrin (75) and Sen. Ali Ndume (37). In the House, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu topped the chart with 103 actions, followed by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (96) and Hon. Kingsley Chinda (48).

    Read Also: 10th National Assembly not a rubber stamp, says NILDS DG

    At the state level, Ekiti senators recorded the highest aggregate legislative actions (12.8 percent), while Edo (7.8 percent), Rivers (7.3 percent), and Lagos (7.1 percent) led in the House of Representatives.

    The Barometer also spotlighted women’s contributions, with Sen. Idiat Oluranti leading female senators with 22 actions, while Hon. Miriam Onuoha recorded 29 in the House.

    ERGAF-AFRICA noted that the tool could improve citizens’ engagement with the legislature, promote evidence-based policymaking, and stimulate reforms to strengthen accountability and transparency. It added that the findings could also influence political party candidate selection and Nigeria’s global standing on open governance.

    The initiative, supported by Christian Aid Nigeria, CISLAC, and the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), received validation from lawmakers, academics, and civil society leaders.

    ERGAF-AFRICA urged legislators to embrace the Barometer as a platform for citizens’ oversight, while calling on civil society, researchers, and development partners to actively engage with the data.

    “The launch of the NASS-DBPFR represents a historic milestone in Nigeria’s democratic experience,” Dr. Okereke said.

    Here’s a crisp three-paragraph news story from Speaker Abbas Tajudeen’s remarks:

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, commended the launch of the National Assembly Deliberative Barometer, describing it as a vital step toward deepening transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s democracy.

    Abbas noted that the barometer, which evaluates legislative output using data-driven indices, would compel parliamentarians to raise the standard of representation, lawmaking, and oversight.

    He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the 10th House of Representatives’ legislative agenda, which prioritizes openness and citizen engagement through platforms such as the annual NASS Open Week and the Citizenship Legislative Roundtable Dialogue.

    According to him, these reforms were designed to give Nigerians opportunities to interrogate performance and hold their representatives accountable.

    The Speaker further stated that the tool not only provides a mirror for lawmakers to assess themselves but also empowers citizens to make informed demands of their representatives.

    Stressing that democracy cannot thrive without active participation, he urged Nigerians to take advantage of the barometer’s findings.

    Abbas added that the insights generated would guide the National Assembly in aligning its priorities with the needs of the people while serving as a model for other African parliaments seeking to strengthen institutional credibility.

    Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, stressed the importance of data-driven assessment in strengthening Nigeria’s legislature and deepening democratic governance.

    Delivering the keynote address at the event, he described the initiative by ERGAF-Africa as timely, noting that it provides objective benchmarks to evaluate the performance of the 10th National Assembly from June 2023 to June 2024.

    Sulaiman explained that the legislature, despite distortions from past military rule, remains the symbol of Nigeria’s democracy, and must continue to grow alongside the executive and judiciary in driving national development.

    He said the Barometer complements NILDS’ own research efforts, including its recent survey on elite consensus, by offering a transparent, data-backed review of legislative activities such as sittings, bills, motions, and sectoral deliberations.

    This, he added, shifts performance measurement away from subjective assessments to evidence-based evaluation.

    While commending ERGAF-Africa, the NILDS DG cautioned that legislative work should be understood within its systemic context, as individual contributions may not always reflect the collective nature of lawmaking.

    He urged that future reports emphasize collaboration and context to avoid misinterpretations.

    Sulaiman further noted that the prioritization of the economy, security, education, and health by both chambers underscores the alignment of the 10th Assembly with its legislative agenda, calling the report a welcome development for Nigeria’s democratic journey.

  • My friend betrayed me, told DSS to kill my cat to end my life – Igboho

    My friend betrayed me, told DSS to kill my cat to end my life – Igboho

    Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that a trusted associate betrayed him during the July 2021 invasion of his Ibadan residence by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Igboho spoke during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, in Ondo State, at the weekend.

    Although he did mention the name of the friend, but he claimed the betrayal led to the killing of his cat in the raid, describing it as a direct attempt on his life.

    “When my house was invaded (by DSS operatives), they wanted to kill me but failed. They fired guns at me very well, but the prayers of you my fathers on me were answered,” Adeyemo said.

    According to him, the security operatives gained access to his home through his Personal Assistant, who was forced to show them his room.

    He maintained that a close ally had earlier informed the DSS operatives about his cat.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Owo Catholic church attackers have link with foreign terrorist groups, DSS tells court

    “When I opened the door… they saw my cat on the bed. One of my friends that I entrusted with secret had told them not to let the cat go. So they killed the cat and wrapped it with clothes like a corpse,” he revealed.

    The raid, which left two people dead and property destroyed, triggered condemnation from notable Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as well as several socio-political groups, who accused the government of abusing state power.

    Recounting his ordeal, Igboho, who was later arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, while attempting to flee, appealed to the monarch to intervene on his behalf.

    “Tinubu is your son, you can convince him to free me… I would have entered the bush and faced them [insecurity],” he pleaded.

    In his remarks, Oba Ogunoye described Igboho as a symbol of hope for many Yoruba youths and urged him to continue to uphold the law while pressing his cause.

  • 200 youths trained on storytelling, content creation to mark World Photography Day

    200 youths trained on storytelling, content creation to mark World Photography Day

    No fewer than 200 youths have been trained in filmmaking, storytelling and content creation to mark 2025 World Photography Day by an aide of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    The training which was facilitated by the official photographer of the governor, Kazeem Hammed in conjunction with office of Sustainable Development Goal(SDG), Osun State was tagged ‘Beyond the Frame’.

    The youths were trained in camera settings, lightning  and photowalk, selecting the right lenses and equipment, creativity and storytelling, photoshop and editing, business and career development, social media strategy, pricing, negotiation and copyrights, among others.

    Read Also: Kaduna agog for World Photography Day

     Speaking at the closing event, Hammed said: “I look at the challenges that are bedeviling the creative youths today, I realize that we lack collaboration, we don’t want to network together, if you go to Lagos you see content creators, photographers and others collaborating to bring something good out.

    “I decided to bring youths together so that we can create new story for Osun State and to empower the youth. Our equipment can’t tell story or create contents but we have to change the way we tell stories and bring out the best.”

    Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on SDG, Bankole Omisore, said: “Part of governor Ademola Adeleke agenda is the empowerment of youths and the people. We are training and equipping the youths to take the business of photography and storytelling to the next level where they will be job creators. We have set up content creation studio now, our youths can now make use of this studio.”

  • Oyo Speaker tasks Ibarapa East PDP stakeholders on unity

    Oyo Speaker tasks Ibarapa East PDP stakeholders on unity

    The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has convened a stakeholders engagement meetings with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across all strata in Ibarapa East Local Government Area.

    He said the meeting was aimed at reinforcing party unity, grassroots mobilization, and preparations ahead of future elections.

    Held in two sessions across separate venues in the constituency, the engagements brought together a wide array of party stakeholders including political functionaries, ward and local government executive members, top political leaders and grassroots party leaders in the area

     Speaking at the meetings, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin conveyed the message of Governor Seyi Makinde, emphasizing that the PDP remains one united family in Oyo State and particularly in Ibarapa East.

    Read Also: Oyo Speaker visits Olubadan-designate

     He assured party faithful that there would be no division, no parallel congresses, no parallel lists, and no imposition of candidates in the build-up to the next political season in the Local Government.

     “The message from His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, is very clear. PDP is one. We are united in purpose and we will work together to win all upcoming elections. Candidates will emerge through consensus, not imposition”, he said.

    Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin harped on the urgent need for increased voter registration among eligible citizens in the constituency.

    “We must not joke with the ongoing voter registration. This is our future. Every vote will count, and every new voter strengthens our party’s chances,” the Speaker emphasized.

    Other chieftains who spoke at the engagements including Hon. Moses Ojoawo, a former Commissioner and current member of the Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission who is the Chairman of the Stakeholders forum; Chief Adewale Atanda Alase, a member of the Oyo State Advisory Council; and others also stressed the urgent need for increased voter registration among eligible citizens in the constituency.